The winter transfer phase is underway and the German clubs are in the middle of it. Clubs can sign new players until February 1, 2024.
The most important things at a glance
Who will FC Bayern bring in to strengthen their defense? Will striker Serhou Guirassy stay at VfB Stuttgart? And who does Union Berlin want to shoot its way to the top with? These and many other questions will be answered this transfer winter. At t-online you can find an overview of the most important rumors and changes from Germany and the world.
Ex-world footballer about to flee Saudi Arabia?
Last summer, former world footballer Karim Benzema (won the Ballon d’Or 2022) moved from Real Madrid to Saudi Arabia and signed a multi-million dollar contract with Al-Ittihad. The chapter in the desert state could now quickly come to an end for the Frenchman.
After failing to show up for training, the club excluded him from the short training camp in Dubai. At the end of last year he had already missed training sessions and traveled to Madrid without the club’s permission. According to the Spanish sports newspaper “Marca”, Benzema’s behavior is said to have caused a lot of anger internally.
Now there could be a premature separation. A few days ago it was reported that the top French club Paris Saint-Germain was interested. According to the English newspaper “Telegraph”, a club from the island is also said to be keen on Benzema. We’re talking about Chelsea FC, who could probably aim for a loan for the 36-year-old. But: Former Liverpool player Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli) is also on the “Blues” list and could solve the problem in the London attack instead of Benzema.
FC Bayern wants to sign top talent
According to consistent media reports, FC Bayern is working on a transfer of the young Serbian Matija Popovic. As the German TV broadcaster Sky and the Italian transfer journalist Gianluca di Marzio report, the German record champions are very interested. Popovic’s contract with Partizan Belgrade has already expired and the 18-year-old is available for free.
AC Milan were ahead until the end, but apparently couldn’t come to an agreement with the versatile offensive man. Now FC Bayern, FC Porto and SSC Napoli are the top contenders for a move. According to Sky, the people of Munich have already made an offer for him.
Rafael Borré’s change almost immediately
Goal scorer Rafael Borré will most likely leave the Bundesliga in the summer at the latest. After several media outlets had already reported on negotiations between Eintracht Frankfurt and Internacional Porto Alegre (Brazil), the parties have reached an agreement, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The only problem: Borré is currently on loan to Werder Bremen. Werder would only accept an early termination of the loan for something in return. The negotiations are ongoing.
DFB talent moves within the 2nd Bundesliga
Second division club Greuther Fürth has signed striker Leander Popp from Hertha BSC. The 18-year-old striker signed a contract until 2027, as the Franconian club announced on Monday. “Leander is a young player who has very good speed and a goal threat,” explained Fürth sports director Rachid Azzouzi. “He is one of the top talents in his year and has played successful years at the highest level in the junior sector.”
Popp played in six games for the Hertha team this season. The offensive player has already played four games for the U18 national team. “The path that the game association is taking with young players is known throughout Germany. That’s why I’m very happy that I have the chance to show myself in professional football,” said Popp. The Middle Franconians start the second half of the 2nd league on Sunday against SC Paderborn.
